BET Jazz channel drops the 'azz,' adds DIRECTV carriage and new shows

(March 1, 2006) BET Networks has announced that it is evolving its BET Jazz Channel into the new BET J. The revised channel, formerly available only on cable, is now available on DIRECTV through its first satellite TV carriage agreement.
 
"The African-American community looks to BET to reflect the culture, and in doing so they have come to expect innovation and diversity in programming under our BET Networks brand," said BET Chairman and CEO Debra L. Lee. "We are happy to respond and to evolve to meet their needs."

DIRECTV is launching BET J on Channel 330 on DIRECTV's Total Choice Plus programming package. MTV Networks negotiated this new carriage agreement as part of its Affiliate Sales and Marketing representation of BET Networks. With the DIRECTV launch, BET J will debut on a distribution platform that reaches approximately 21 million homes.

In addition to DIRECTV, other distributors already carrying BET Jazz that will now offer the revamped channel for viewers include Charter Communications, Cablevision, Comcast, Cox Communications and Time Warner Cable.

BET J will offer engaging lifestyle, musical and cultural fare 24 hours a day. Advertising and marketing elements promoting BET J will carry the tagline "Cool Like That" to epitomize the new branding. Examples of the new BET J programming blending with an already stellar jazz lineup include:

Soul Sessions -- Viewers will experience old school/new school music overload as Neo-Soul, Alternative R&B, Classic Soul and Rhythm and Blues come together on weeknights and weekends

Influences -- An intimate chat with contemporary soul and R&B artists about the influence that traditional jazz has had on their music.

Video Soul Gold -- A classic BET show from the past returns as Donnie Simpson hosts VIDEO SOUL GOLD, a weekly trip down memory lane.

My Two Cents -- A topical talk show with five fresh and original voices discussing the issues of the day stitched together with Classic Soul & R&B videos.

The Best Shorts: A BET Showcase -- Viewers can enjoy the best in drama, comedy, horror, suspense and more.  Short films tell stories in a way no other medium can.


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